In the Land of the Long White Cloud

towheaded, but James had brown hair…however, Gerald also had brown hair. And he had brown eyes. So if the child took after James, one could claim he looked like his grandfather.
    Eye color: blue and gray…and brown if she took Gerald into account. Build…that worked. James and Lucas were roughly the same height, Gerald considerably shorter and stockier. She too was markedly shorter. But it just had to be a boy and he would no doubt take after his father. Now she just needed to convince James…but why James specifically? Gwyneira decided to put off the decision a bit longer. After all, maybe tomorrow her heart wouldn’t beat quite so quickly when she thought of James McKenzie.

    The next day she came to the conclusion that there was no one other than James who could serve as the father of her child. But then again, maybe she should consider a stranger? She thought about the “lonesome cowboys” in the penny dreadfuls. They came and went and would never learn about the child if they were just passing through…maybe one of the shearers? No, she couldn’t bring herself to do that. Besides, the sheep shearers came back every year. Not to mention what wouldhappen if the man talked, gloating that he had slept with the lady of Kiward Station. No, that was out of the question. She needed a man she trusted, one who was understanding and discreet and, moreover, who only had good traits to pass on to the child.
    Gwyneira reviewed all the candidates carefully in her mind. Feelings, she convinced herself, did not play a role in this.
    She chose James.

10
    “A ll right, to begin with…I’m not in love with you!”
    Gwyneira wasn’t sure that that was the best way to broach the subject, but it burst out of her when she next found herself alone with James McKenzie. A week had passed since the party. The last guests had left the day before, and Gwyneira could finally get back on her horse. Lucas had begun work on a new painting. The brightly lit garden had inspired him, and he was working on a party scene. Gerald had done little other than drink all week and was now sleeping off his hangover. And McKenzie planned to return the sheep that had been used for the demonstration back into the highlands. The dogs had demonstrated their skills several times over the last week, and five guests had purchased a total of eight pups. Cleo’s puppies were not among them, however; they were to remain at Kiward Station as breeding stock and now accompanied their mother during sheep herding. Though they occasionally tripped over their own legs, their talent was unmistakable.
    James had been pleased when Gwyneira joined him for the sheep herding. However, he had become wary as she rode next to him in silence. Finally, she took a deep breath to begin the conversation. He seemed to find her remark funny.
    “Of course you’re not in love with me, miss. Where would I ever have gotten that idea?” he said, fighting a smile.
    “Don’t mock me, Mr. McKenzie. I have something very serious to discuss with you.”
    James looked at her, shocked. “Did I hurt you? I didn’t mean to. I thought it was what you wanted too…the kiss, I mean. But if you want me to go…”
    “Forget the kiss,” Gwyneira said. “This is regarding something very different, Mr. McKenzie…ahem, James. I…wanted to ask you for some help.”
    James stopped his horse. “Whatever you want, miss. I would never deny you anything.”
    He looked her straight in the eye, which made it difficult for her to continue.
    “But it’s rather…it’s not proper.”
    James smiled. “I’m not all that concerned with what’s proper. I’m not a gentleman, miss. I believe we’ve talked about that before.”
    “That’s a shame, Mr. McKenzie, namely because…what I wanted to ask you…it requires the discretion of a gentleman.”
    Gwyneira was turning red. What would become of her once she stated what she had in mind?
    “Perhaps a man of honor’s enough,” ventured James. “Someone who keeps his word.”
    Gwyneira considered that for a moment. She nodded.
    “Then you must promise to tell no one whether you…we…go through with it or not.”
    “Your wish is my command. I’ll do whatever you ask me to.” Once again James had that glint in his eye. Today, however, it was not playful, but more like a supplication.
    “That’s not very wise,” Gwyneira chided him. “You don’t even know what I want. Imagine if I wanted you to murder someone.”
    James had to